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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2012
FINAL BORDER SHOWDOWN
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Jayhawks have the last laugh with the fans
Dressed as Civil War figure John Tigers fan passes by during Satt
Jayhawk fans hold up many differe tip off.
T the Jayhawk, which many of us pass by on a daily basis on our way to class, sits staunchly upon its granite perch in front of Strong Hall. It never really occurred to me how it was made or who made it, I, as with many other things, always took for granted that it was there, had been there, and will always be there. But the way it was made makes an intriguing story, and the artist behind this Jayhawk and other sculptures around campus proved to have a remarkable tale worthy of illumination.
Elden Tefft, who used to teach sculpture at the University of Kansas and developed the sculpture program when he was working on his master's degree, met with me to talk about his creation of this Jayhawk, yet I ended up hearing much more about his life. Born in Hartford and having moved to Lawrence around the age of nine, he began his artistic career making marionettes in high school. He proved to be quite the entertainer, having once made a ventriloquist dummy. He also dabbled in the art of sword swallowing and fire eating, putting on shows during his years in high school and becoming known as "multiplex Tefft."
Eventually, he went to the University to study art education, but World War II interrupted his studies. He joined the U.S. Army Air
5. RESORT STYLE SALT WATER POOL
6. TANNING BED
7. 24 HOUR GAME ROOM
8. FREE PARKING
9. PETS ACCEPTED
10. ON-SITE LAUNDRY
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